What is the ELSTER certificate and how do I get it?
Updated: July 2026 · ~4 min read · eBilanz Fabrik (a tool, not tax advice)
In short: the ELSTER certificate is your electronic proof of identity towards the German tax administration. It enables authenticated transmission of tax data — including the e-Bilanz — to the Finanzamt. You request the usual certificate file for free at Mein ELSTER; because part of it arrives by post, plan for a few days up to two weeks.
What is the ELSTER certificate?
ELSTER stands for „Elektronische Steuererklärung“ (electronic tax return) — the official online portal of the German tax administration. The ELSTER certificate is the electronic signature and login file that proves it is you transmitting data. It replaces the handwritten signature in electronic communication with the Finanzamt.
Legal background: authenticated transmission under Section 87a AO requires a secure proof of identity. The ELSTER certificate meets that requirement. Without such a certificate, an e-Bilanz cannot be transmitted to the Finanzamt in authenticated form via ERiC.
What types of ELSTER certificate are there?
| Type | What it is | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate file | A file (extension .pfx) that you store locally — the standard for most companies. | free |
| ELSTER-Stick | A security USB stick that holds the certificate. | paid |
| Signature card | A chip card plus card reader for higher security requirements. | paid |
For the e-Bilanz of a GmbH or UG, the free certificate file is almost always sufficient.
How to request the ELSTER certificate (step by step)
- Register at Mein ELSTER. You create a user account at mein.elster.de and choose the certificate file as your login method.
- Receive the activation data. For security, the activation ID arrives by email and the activation code by post. That is why it takes a few days up to around two weeks.
- Generate and download the certificate. With both items you complete the activation and download your certificate file. You set your own password in the process.
- Keep the file and password safe. The .pfx file and the password belong together — without both you cannot log in.
The process and portal design are governed by the tax administration and can change. Mein ELSTER always prevails. Without guarantee.
How long is the certificate valid?
The certificate file is generally valid for three years. You can renew it in Mein ELSTER in good time before it expires — far quicker than a fresh registration. If the certificate expires without a renewal, you have to go through the registration route again (including the letter by post).
Why do I need the certificate for the e-Bilanz?
The e-Bilanz under Section 5b EStG is transmitted to the Finanzamt as a structured XBRL data set via ERiC. That transmission must be authenticated — which is exactly what the ELSTER certificate is for. It clearly assigns the transmission to your tax number.
With eBilanz Fabrik you provide your ELSTER certificate only in the final step. It is used solely for that one transmission via ERiC and is not stored. Under 10 minutes, from 24,95 €.
Create your e-Bilanz →FAQ
What does the ELSTER certificate cost?
The usual certificate file at Mein ELSTER is free. Paid alternatives are the ELSTER-Stick and the signature card. For most companies the free certificate file is sufficient. Without guarantee.
How long does it take to get the certificate?
After registering you receive the activation ID by email and the activation code by post. Because the code arrives by letter, it usually takes a few days up to around two weeks. Plan for this ahead of a deadline. Without guarantee.
How long is the certificate valid?
The certificate file is generally valid for three years. You can renew it in Mein ELSTER before it expires; if you miss the renewal, you have to register again. Without guarantee.
What happens if I forget my certificate password?
Without the password the certificate file cannot be used, and it cannot be reset. You then have to create a new certificate via Mein ELSTER. Keep the file and password safe. Without guarantee.
eBilanz Fabrik is a transmission tool and gives no tax advice. Registered ELSTER software vendor. Information on ELSTER, the process, costs and deadlines without guarantee; Mein ELSTER and the statutory rules govern (incl. Section 87a AO). Price: 24,95 € (regularly 29,95 €) per filing, net plus 19 % VAT.